Folding crib



Nov, 8, 1949 E. R. CHURCHWELL FOLDING CRIB wl/, niw v nffmn www Filed June 1]., 194'? INVENTO 'mwi I9 MM2-AM Y w @MM ATTORNEYS Patented Nov. 8, 1949 Application June 11, 1947, Serial No. y253,910

(Cl. v5-9'9 6 Claims.

This invention relates to lfold-ing baby cribs.- One of the principal objects of the invention is to provide -a folding crib which is simple and inexpensive in manufacture, strong and rugged inconstruction, easily set up, handled and moved when that is desired, and which is `capable of withstanding severe and repeated handling both in household use and in the more severe `use encountered in hotels, institutions and the like.

Another object is to provide -a folding crib which is readily adapted to construction entirely of metal. 'such -as hollow bars 'or rails of aluminum or other light metal, -and which will accordingly be light in weight and easy to handle while lat the same time .possessing adequate strength and. rigidity .for satisfactory performance.

Other objects and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the iollowing description, the accompanying drawing and the appended claims.

In the drawing:

Fig. 1 is a view in perspective showing a -folding crib in accordance with the invention, parts thereof being broken .away to illustrate detaiis of construction and arrangement; n

Fig, `2 is a top -plan view showing the crib -of Fig. 1 in collapsed and folded posi-tion, rpart -of one of the end frames being broken away and in section to show the .bracing -and locking arrangement;

Fig. 3 is a fragmentary view in vertical section Fig. i is an enlarged Adetail view in elevation 1 showing a Ifragment of the bedspring frame and one of the supporting and bracing members for the bedspring; l

Fig. 5 is an enlarged detail view partly in horizontal section through the top bars of one of the end frames of the crib to show the bracing and locking bar arrangement; and

Fig. 6 is a diagrammatic view 'in the nature of a :perspective illustrating the hook arrangement for supporting the drop side frame in its `upper position a fragment of one corner post being show-n in phantom outline.

yReferring to the drawing, which lillustrates a preferred embodiment ofV the present invention, Fig. 1 shows a olding crib comprising a :pair of end or head and foot fram-es, identified generally as lll and l l, anda pair of side .frames identified generally as l2 and f3, the side frame i3 being a drop side and 4being shown lin its lower position in Fig. 1. The end frame ID includes a 4pair of corner .posts i5 and 16, and the end frame H similar-1y includes a pair of 4cor-ner posts I1 and I 8.. IThese end land `side frames are each made up of a plurality of horizontally arranged rails or bars and a plurality of vertically arranged connecting bars or slats, these parts being shown as each `formed -of hollow -metal tubing of rectang-ular cross section.l For example, satisfactory results from the standpoint of `light Weight and adequate rigidity .have been obtained with the use of hollow bars -of -a ,light metal such -as aluminum, although other metals or other -bars or rails may be used.

Each 'of the end vframes lll and I I includes two sections connected together for folding movement kinwardly `of the crib. IAs shown in Fig. 1', one section of the end trame IE! is made up of horizontally arranged upper and lower hollow bars 2E) land 2|, respectively, which are Welded or otherwise secured to the corner post I6 and connected together by vertical slats or bars 22. The other section of the end .frame -I- similar-ly includes upper and lower horizontal bars 23 and 2li secured to the corner post l5 and similarly connected by vertical slats 22,v These two sections are connected together for inwardly folding movement at thecenter of the end frame l0 by means of hinges 2E screwed or otherwise -secured to the center pai-r of slats 22, which are shown as of somewhat greater width than the other slats in each end section. The end frame Ii is composed of two similarly constructed 'sections, identified generally Aas 26 and 21, which are connected by means of hinges 28 for inwardly folding movement as shown in Fig. 2.

Means are provided for bracing the component sections of each of the end `frames l0 and Il in substantially rigid relation when the crib is set up. or this purpose, a locking bar 35i is mounted for sliding movement within the upper horizontal bar 2D of one section of the end frame la. This locking bar 'Sil is adapted to slide into the adjacent horizontal bar '23 of the other section of end .frame 'Iii when the crib is set up. To control movement of the lockingbar., a control -member or handle such as a pin 3| is mounted therein and extends through a slot 32 in the side of frame vbar 2d. iThe length of slot 32 is such that when pin y3| is drawn to the end thereof adiaL cent corner post I6, the locking bar 3&1 will be retracted from within the frame bar 23 to permit `folding of the end frame as shown in Fig. 2. On the other hand, when Api-n 3l is at the end of slot 32 adjacent frame Abar 23, as shown in Fig. 3, the locking lbar 3'0 will be inserted a substantial distance within frame bar 23 to brace the two frame sections in substantially rigid relation. A similar locking bar is provided in the corresponding frame bars of the end frame II, as indicated by the control pin 33 in Fig. 2, and it will be seen that this construction provides a simple and effective bracing action relieving hinges 25 of a part of the load, while at the same time the bracing parts are substantially concealed within the frame and do not detract from the appearance of the crib.

The side frames are connected to the end frames for relative pivotal and sliding movement by simple and eiective means eliminating the necessity ior hinges. Referring to Figs. 1 to 3, each of the corner posts of the crib has a rod secured thereto which includes a vertically arranged portion extending a substantial proportion of the length of the post. As shown in Figs. l and 3, the rods secured to corner posts I and I1 include Vertical portions 35 and horizontal portions 36 at the upper ends thereof, and this horizontal portion 36 of each rod is secured to the corner post in such manner as to support the Vertical rod portion 35 in spaced and substantially parallel relation withY the post. As shown in Figs. 3 and 6, each horizontal rod portion 36 includes a threaded outer part which traverses the corner post and is clamped thereto by means of nuts 31 and 38. The lower end of each vertical rod portion 35 is supported in an angle bracket 38 mounted adjacent the lower end of the corner post.

The drop side frame I3 is composed of upper and lower horizontal bars 40 and 4I and Vertical slats 42. Each of the horizontal bars 40 and 4I has a pair of vertically arranged holes 43 adjacent each end thereof adapted to receive one of the vertical rod portions 35 in pivotal and sliding relation, and these rods engage in the holes 43 as shown in Figs. 1 and 3 to support the drop side frame in pivotal and sliding relation to the end frames. As shown in Fig. l, the angle brackets 39 act as stops to limit downward sliding movement of the drop side to define a lower position therefor. Means are also provided for releasably supporting the drop side in an upper position.

Referring particularly to Figs. 3 and 6, a hook 55 is mounted for swinging movement on each horizontal rod portion 36 and is held axially thereon between nut 38 and a nut or collar 5I. This hook is adapted to engage a pin or dog 52 welded or otherwise secured to the end of the horizontal frame bar 40 and projecting longitudinally therefrom as best seen in Fig. 6. Each hook 50 is formed on its lower side with a camming surface 53 which lies in the path of upward movement of pins 52. Thus when the drop side i3 is raised, pins 52 will rst push hooks 50 out of their paths until they pass the hook points 54, after which the hooks will swing back under the pins as shown in Fig. 6 to hold the drop side in its upper position. To release the drop side, it is only necessary to raise it suiciently to permit hooks 5I) to be disengaged, as by means of their upstanding handle portions 55, after which it may be dropped to its lower position shown in Fig. 1.

The construction and mounting of the side frame I2 is similar to that of the drop side frame I3 as described and shown, but side frame I2 is substantially fixed against sliding movement in an upper position at substantially the same level as the upper position of the drop side for use.

frame I3 determined by hooks 50. The side frame I2 includes upper and lower horizontal bars 60 and 6I, respectively, and vertical slats 62. The rods for mounting side frame I2 on corner posts I6 and I8 are similar to rods 35 and 36, except that since the side frame I2 is held against sliding movement, the vertical portions of these rods need not be as long as rod portions 35. The horizontal rod portions 66 are secured to corner posts I6 and I8 in the same manner as described in connection with the rod portions 35, as indicated by the nuts 61 and 68 in Figs. 1 and 2. The lower ends of the rod portions 65 are supported in angle brackets 69 which are secured to corner posts I6 and I8 and act to support side frame I2 against sliding movement as shown in Fig. l.

A bedspring is secured to the side frame I2 for relative pivotal movement about a horizontal axis. Referring to Figs. 1, 2 and 4, the bedspring includes side angle bars 10 and 1I and end angle bars 12 and 13 forming a rectangular frame which supports a ilat spring 15 of the usual type. The side angle bar 'iii is'hingedly secured to the lower horizontal bar 6I of side frame I2, as by means of the hinges 11 shown in Figs. l and 2. In addition, the spring frame and the end frames II! and II have cooperating parts which serve both to support the spring and to brace the side and end frames in substantially rigid relation when the crib is set up.

Referring to Figs. 1, 2 and 4, an angle bracket 8i] is secured to the lower horizontal bar 24 oi one section of the end frame I0, and a similar angle bracket 80 is secured to the corresponding frame bar of the end frame I I as shown in Fig. 2. These brackets 80 are so arranged that the side angle bar 1I of the bedspring will rest thereon when the bedspring is in its horizontal position In addition, each bracket 86 carries an upwardly projecting pin or lug 8|, and each end of the bar 1I is provided with a hole 82 adapted to receive one of these pins 8I, thus firmly bracking the two end frames against lateral movement with respect to the side frame when the crib is set up for use.

When the crib is to be collapsed for transportation or storage, it is merely necessary to lift the bedspring on hinges 11 and to release locking bars 3U as described, whereupon the end frames can be folded inwardly, as shown in Fig. 2, with the side frames pivoting with respect to the end frames about vertical rod portions 35 and 65. In setting up the crib, the reverse operation takes place, and when the bedspring is, lowered to its position of engagement between pins 8| and bar 1I and the locking bars 30 are engaged, the crib will be braced for adequate strength and rigidity in use.

' It will accordingly be seen that the invention provides a folding crib of simple but strong and rigid construction capable of withstanding even severe' usage. When set up, the crib possesses adequate rigidity, and may easily be collapsed to small size for convenient storage and transportation. With the side frames secured to the end frames by means of the guide rods as described, separate hinges between the side and end frames are eliminated, thus avoiding the usual Vdiiiiculties encountered with hinges at the corners of a crib, while at the same time the desired relative pivotal and sliding movement of the side frames is obtained. In addition, although this crib may be constructed 0f different suitable materials, it is particularly adapted for construction of hollow metal tubing and will thus be light in weight for easy handling in setting up or collapsing for storage and of adequate strength to assure a long useful life. y

While the form of apparatus herein described constitutes a preferred embodiment of the invention, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to this precise form of apparatus, and that changes may be made therein without departing from the scope of .the invention which is defined in the appended claims.

What is claimed is:

1. A folding crib of the character described comprising end frames each including corner posts and two sections, a connection between each two of said sections providing for inwardly folding movement of each said frame, a pairy of side frames, each of said corner posts having a rod secured thereto including a vertically arranged portions spaced from said corner post and extend ing a substantial proportion of the length of said post and a horizontal portion at the upper end of said vertical portion, each of said side frames being mounted for pivotal and vertically sliding movement on said vertical portions of said rods, means substantially limiting said sliding movement of one of said side frames, the other of said side frames being freely slidable between an upper position and a lower position, and releasable means carried by said horizontal rod portions for supporting said freely slidable side frame in said upper position.

2. A folding crib of the character described comprising head and foot frames each including corner posts and two sections, a connection between each two of said sections providing for inwardly folding movement of each said frame, a pair of side frames, each of said corner posts having a rod secured thereto including a vertically arranged portion spaced from said corner post and extending a substantial proportion of the length of said post, each of said side frames including upper and lower horizontal bar portions, each of said bar portions having a hole therein adjacent each end thereof adapted to receive one of said rods in slidable relation, said rods engaging in said holes to support said side frame for pivotal movement with relation to said head and foot frames.

3. A folding crib of the character described comprising a head frame and a foot frame each including two sections, a connection between each two of said sections providing for inwardly folding movement of each said frame, a side frame, each of sai-d head and foot frames having a pair of vertically arranged rods mounted on the inner side and adjacent opposite ends thereof, said side frame being mounted for pivotal and vertically sliding movement on a pair of said rods, means for supporting said side frame in a substantially xed vertical position on said rods, a bedspring hingedly secured to said side frame, means providing a releasable connection between said spring and said head and foot frames for bracing said frames in substantially rigid relation with said side frame, another side frame mounted for pivotal and vertically sliding movement on the other pair of said rods between an upper position and a lower position, and means for releasably supporting said sliding side frame in said upper position.

4. A folding crib of the character described comprising end frames each including two sections, a hinged connection between each two of said sections providing for inwardly folding movement of each said frame, a pair of side frames, means pivotally connecting each of said side frames to said end frames, said connecting means comprising vertically arranged rods spaced from and secured to the ends of said end frames adjacent each corner of said crib and means mounting each end of each of said frames for pivotal and sliding movement on one of said rods, means substantially limiting said sliding movement of one of said side frames, the other of said side frames being freely slidable on said rods between an upper position and a lower position, and

eans for releasably supporting said last named side frame in said upper position.

5. A folding crib of the character described comprising a pair of end frames, a pair of side frames, each of said frames comprising a plurality of horizontally arranged hollow metal bars, said end frames each including two sections, a hinged connection between each two of said sections providing for inwardly folding movement of each said end frame, vertically arranged rods spaced from and secured to the ends of said end frames, said horizontal bars of said side frames each having vertically arranged holes adjacent each end thereof adapted to receive one of said rods in pivotal relation, said rods engaging in said holes to support said side frames in pivotal relation to said end frames, and a bedspring hingedly secured to one of said side frames.

6. A folding crib of the character described comprising a pair of end frames, a pair of side frames, each of said frames comprising a plurality of spaced apart horizontally arranged hollow metal bars, said end frames each including two sections, a hinged connection between each two of said sections providing for inwardly folding movement of each said end frame, a locking bar mounted in one of said horizontal bars of one of said end frame sections for sliding movement into the adjacent horizontal bar of the adjacent frame section to brace said frame sections in substantially rigid relation when said crib is set up, vertically arranged rods spaced from and secured to the ends of said end frames, said horizontal bars of said side frames each having a pair of vertically arranged holes adjacent each end thereof adapted to receive one of said rods in pivotal and sliding relation, said rods engaging in said holes to support said side frames in pivotal relation to said end frames, a bedspring hingedly secured to one of said side frames, means for securing said bedspring supporting side frame in an upper position with respect to said end frames, means carried by said spring and said side frames adapted to cooperate when said crib is set up to brace said side frames with respect to said end frames, the other of said side frames being slidable on said rods between an upper position and a lower position, and means for releasably securing said sliding side frame in said upper position.

ERNEST R. CHURCHWELL.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the le of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 1,701,670 Feldman Feb. l2, 1929 1,942,623 Tridle Jan. 9, 1934 FOREIGN PATENTS Number Country Date 22,339 Great Britain 1905 246,959 Great Britain Feb. 11, 1926 Certificate of Correction Patent No. 2,487,636 November 8, 1949 ERNEST R. CHURCHWELL It is hereby certified that errors appear in the printed specication of the above numbered patent requiring correction es follows:

Column 4, line 44, for "braeking read bracing; column 5, line 20, for the Word portions read portion; column 6, line 6, before frames insert side;

and that the said Letters Patent should be read With these correct-ions therein that the same may conform to the record of the case in the Patent (3l-lice.

Signed and sealed this 21st. day of March, A. D. 1950.

THOMAS F. MURPHY,

Assistant Oommisszaner of Patents. 

